Mountain Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience done in Uganda, Rwanda, and The Democratic Republic of Congo. With its Uniqueness and challenging hike, an age limit has been set to ensure safety and worthwhile activity. As of September 2024, the youngest trekker must be aged 15 years and all rights to allow visitors to access the Gorillas are reserved to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Just before you feel it is unfair to limit who treks, get this right!
Whereas gorilla trekking is fun, it can be tiresome since it can take several hours deep in the dense tropical forest to encounter the gorillas. Children often have communicable diseases that can be easily transferable to the primates. They are often unpredictable, very playful, and might go against the trekking rules and regulations. This can pose a risk while in the presence of the gentle giants.
What happens to the elderly? For as long as an individual is healthy, nothing should stop their wish. To those who might find hiking a challenge, an arrangement can be made for able-bodied porters to carry them to and from the gorillas on sedan seats.
How will authorities know your child’s age?
There is a very strict system in the park headquarters where all trekkers of the day are briefed and documents verified. It is a requirement for everyone to submit a valid passport or national identification with the date of birth and other details for a gorilla permit to be issued. Once it is established that an individual is underage, no trekking permit will be issued.
Gorilla trekking destinations
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located 14 kilometers from Kisoro town in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is home to a quarter of the total mountain gorillas living in the vast Virunga chain of mountains that spans through Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There is one habituated gorilla family open for trekking with only about 8 gorilla permits available each day. The gates open from 6 am, with the pre-trekking briefing taking place.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located at the edge of the Great Rift Valley in the southwestern part of Uganda. The park features one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. It is home to the largest concentration of mountain gorillas in the world. Trekking takes place in any of the four sectors of the park, notably Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma (oldest sector), and Nkuringo (hilliest). Bwindi harbors over 50 gorilla families however, only 24 families are habituated and available for trekking daily. About 168 gorilla permits are available each day and the expert range guides will happily guide you through the lush jungle to create the gorilla story.
Gorilla trekking is done on foot, in the first hours of the day. It commences with a trekking briefing that lasts for roughly thirty minutes. Thereafter, the trekking session lasts for about 1-8 hours plus an extra hour of watching them play, feed, and engage more.
Gorilla trekking Cost
Each of the eligible persons is expected to possess a trekking permit which costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, USD 500 for other African nations, and UGX 300,000 for East African countries per trek. The fee is used for conservation, payment to the park rangers, and contributions to the communities in live at the park borders. Uganda Wildlife Authority is the government body that issues permits to all licensed tour operators on behalf of the clients. The permits are always in high demand and thus advisable to book at least three months in advance to get the exact tracking date.
Best time to go gorilla trekking and accommodation
Gorilla trekking is done all year round, however, the months of June to September, and December to March have less rain and are thus most conducive for the trekking session. The accommodation options vary from budget to mid-range luxury lodges, bandas, hotels, and campsites in and around the parks.
Packing list
Keep your packing list simple, with only those items essential for the trip. Among the most essential items you need include hand gloves, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a professional camera, waterproof hiking boots, insecticides, and more.
In conclusion, children below the age of 15 years are not allowed to trek the gorillas in all the trekking destinations in Uganda. However, in case there will be any form of exception by the authorities, the entire liability is on you the parent, or the one in charge. For that reason, it is often wise to do the right thing at the right time.